There are over 550 miles of hiking trails open to horseback riding in the Smoky Mountains and they offer some of the best riding available in the Eastern United States.

If you have your own horse that you want to ride in the park you should consult a Great Smokies trail map to learn which trails are open to horses. You’ll also find information concerning rules and regulations as well as backcountry camping and permit requirements. >> Download Trail Map

There are also four riding stables available within the park:

• Cades Cove, near Townsend, TN – (865) 448-9009
• Smokemont, near Cherokee, NC – (828) 497-2373
• Smoky Mountain, near Gatlinburg, TN -(865) 436-5634.
• Sugarlands, near Gatlinburg, TN – (865) 436-3535.

These stables are open from mid-March through late November. Rides may last from 45 minutes to several hours and are at a walking pace. Rates are from $20-$25 per hour. Weight limits and age restrictions may apply. Please call the stable you are interested in for more information.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stresses that: “Caution is advised in the backcountry. The park’s backcountry is managed as a natural area where the forces of nature determine trail conditions. Please be prepared for swollen streams, bridge washouts, downed trees, and trail erosion—riding is not recommended from early December until May due to the seasonal nature of the trail maintenance program.”